Ben D

Ben D. (aka dede356): The Chess Adventurer

Ben D., known in the chess world as dede356, is a player who has tangoed with the chessboard through dizzying highs and humbling lows — a true rollercoaster enthusiast of the 64 squares.

Rating Rollercoaster and Style

Once peaking at just over 1000 in both Rapid and Blitz formats, Ben’s journey has been anything but boring. His Rapid peak rating of 1003 and Blitz peak of 1004, both achieved in early 2021, show flashes of brilliance, especially considering his rather adventurous opening choices.

Ben’s preferred battlefield is the King’s Pawn Opening, in which he boasts a respectable 54.43% win rate in Rapid chess, wielding it like a trusted sword. The Scandinavian Defense and Nimzowitsch Defense are also favorites, showing he’s not afraid to stray off the beaten path!

His playing style is a mix of fight and fight some more: with a 64.39% comeback rate and a willingness to battle on after losing pieces (winning nearly 40% in those situations), Ben embodies resilience. But beware: his 11.32% early resignation rate means sometimes he knows when to call it quits — nobody wants a long sad game!

Stats by the Numbers (and the chuckles)

• Games played: hundreds in Rapid and Blitz, and enough Bullet games to keep his reflexes sharp.
• Longest winning streak: 10 games — not bad for a player with a notorious 14-game losing streak lurking in the shadows.
• Likes to play late at night: his best time is 3AM, probably when coffee kicks in and the strategies get wild.
• Average moves per win: about 53. (Long, dramatic battles preferred; no quickies here!)

Personality Through Play

Ben has shown a particular knack for winning against certain opponents with a curious 100% success rate against favorites like godcchess and boblekanak. It seems whenever he faces these opponents, the chess gods smile upon him.

His preference for endings featuring complex maneuvering is clear with an endgame frequency of over 50%. Ben doesn't shy away from gritty endgame skirmishes — he's in it for the long haul, probably enjoying the mental workout.

Recent Heroics

One of Ben’s latest notable wins was a thrilling game using the King’s Pawn Opening - King’s Knight Variation, culminating in a slick checkmate after 66 moves. A testament to his patience and perseverance! You can watch the game unfolding here.

Final Thoughts

Ben D. is not just a player; he's a chess adventurer who has embraced the wild ride of wins, losses, and draws. His sometimes erratic rating shifts and daring play styles suggest he’s here for both the challenge and the fun. Whether storming the gates with King's Pawn or diving deep into endgames, Ben keeps the chess world guessing — and laughing along the way.